Russia denies involvement in Polish tape scandal

By Associated Press
| 4:23 a.m.June 28, 2014

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov speaks to the media after his talks with his Fijian counterpart Inoke Kubuabola after their meeting in Moscow, Russia, Friday, June 27, 2014.Lavrov welcomed the Ukrainian president’s intention to extend a cease-fire in the east, but warned Ukraine against putting ultimatums to insurgents. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)
The Associated Press

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov speaks to the media after his talks with his Fijian counterpart Inoke Kubuabola after their meeting in Moscow, Russia, Friday, June 27, 2014.Lavrov welcomed the Ukrainian president’s intention to extend a cease-fire in the east, but warned Ukraine against putting ultimatums to insurgents. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

In one of the leaked conversations released by a Polish magazine, Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski was heard denouncing the alliance with the U.S. as worthless and describing it in obscene terms.

Lavrov said Saturday that allegations of Russia's hand in the scandal were aimed at deflecting public attention from the awkward situation.

Lavrov said he was unaware of details of U.S.-Polish relations, adding that Russia wants to see EU nations conduct an independent policy.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has suggested that foreign interests might have been involved in the eavesdropping. He did not name any country, but said businessmen trading coal and gas from Russia were being investigated.